Boy with autism receives secret birthday wishes on social media

An 11-year-old's mother set up a Facebook page to remind her son that his birthday is special and important. (Source: Happy Birthday Colin/Facebook)

KALAMAZOO, MI (RNN) - A Michigan woman used social media to surprise her son and make him smile, even if it's just for one day.

'Happy Birthday Colin' is the Facebook page Colin's mom, Jennifer Cunningham, created to show him he is loved and that there are those that sympathize with his condition.

Colin has a rare form of autism called Aspergers syndrome, which affects a person's ability to develop normal verbal communication skills and social interactive skills. He turns 11 years old on March 9.

Facebook comments say that Colin is an awesome boy with a fantastic smile.

However, Colin's condition has affected his self-esteem and how he interacts with his peers at school. When Colin's mother asked if he wanted a party for his birthday, Colin refused because he had no friends, and thought no one liked him.

Colin told his mom that kids make fun of him at school, so he chooses to eat lunch alone in an office because he doesn't want to feel like he is bothering the other students, according to the Facebook page.

Wanting her son to be happy, Jennifer, created a secret Facebook page, asking people to send birthday wishes and nice messages to her son.

The birthday page has accumulated more than a million likes and friends who have sent their birthday wishes.

"I thought, if I could create a page where people could send him positive thoughts and encouraging words, that would be better than any birthday party," Jennifer wrote on Facebook.

To send Colin a birthday wish to make his day memorable, visit his Facebook page or write to: